some information about Tanzanite
The known varieties of zoisite had none to zero influence on the gem industry before the discovery of tanzanite. Discover why tanzanites became such a unique stone!
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Gemology
Gem-related Field
Tanzanite
An Exoplanet Full Of Rubies And Sapphires
Prior to the discovery of tanzanite, the known varieties of zoisite had little or no impact on the gem industry. Jumanne Ngoma, a Meru herder, discovered them on Mt. Kilimanjaro in 1967. When viewed in natural light, some tanzanites can appear sapphire blue. Use fluorescent light to avoid mistaking a sapphire for a tanzanite, as tanzanites may appear more violet or amethyst-like during this method.
These stones have a very circumstantial peculiarity in that they change color when viewed from specific directions. Pleochroism is the name given to this phenomenon. When viewed through each of the three crystal axes, these gems will exhibit blue, red-violet, and yellow-green colors, which is why tanzanites are referred to as "trichroic." Their most recognizable feature, however, is their blue to purple color.
These stones have a very circumstantial peculiarity in that they change color when viewed from specific directions. Pleochroism is the name given to this phenomenon. When viewed through each of the three crystal axes, these gems will exhibit blue, red-violet, and yellow-green colors, which is why tanzanites are referred to as "trichroic." Their most recognizable feature, however, is their blue to purple color.
At GemMatrix, calibrated tanzanites are available in bulk and on demand. Please send us a message via the "contact us" section and we will respond as soon as possible!
THE QUESTION
What Makes These Stones So Special?
Tanzanites became well-known in late 1967, when Tiffany & Co jewellers introduced them to the American market. Tanzanites are extremely valuable due to their scarcity. They only exist because of a unique combination of height, location, and weather. Mt. Kilimanjaro offers unique geographical opportunities that no other location on the planet can. They are referred to as "generational jewels" because we will most likely be the only generation to be able to purchase them before their supply runs out. In fact, we estimate that there will be another 10-20 years until full exhaustion (which we believe is not so correct. Please read our other article about investment in tanzanites: www.gem-matrix.com/tanzaniteasaninvestment)
However, you must exercise extreme caution when wearing them because they are considered brittle (6.5 – 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness). Garnets, amethyst, topaz, emeralds, and aquamarines, on the other hand, are more durable and scratch-resistant than tanzanites. Since tanzanites regularly crack under moderate resisting force, their faceting and cutting processes must be extremely precise.
However, you must exercise extreme caution when wearing them because they are considered brittle (6.5 – 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness). Garnets, amethyst, topaz, emeralds, and aquamarines, on the other hand, are more durable and scratch-resistant than tanzanites. Since tanzanites regularly crack under moderate resisting force, their faceting and cutting processes must be extremely precise.
This is why our experienced cutters adhere to a strict set of guidelines in order to provide an astonishing end-product with precise faceting while minimizing the loss of breaking gems. What you see above is an example of what you can expect if you buy from us.
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Benjamin Poudevigne
Social Media Manager at GemMatrix
With over ten years of marketing experience, I finally decided to settle down in Bangkok to work in an area that I have always been interested in: the gemstones industry. I'm still learning how the market works on a daily basis, and I enjoy sharing my experience with those who are interested in learning more about gems in general.